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Rep. Diane Watson's mother dies at 100

July 28, 2010 | 2:41
pm

Dorothy Elizabeth Watson, the mother of U.S. Rep. Diane Watson, died Sunday at 100 after a short illness, according to a statement from the congresswoman's office.

In February the congresswoman, a Los Angeles Democrat who represents the 33rd Congressional District, announced she was retiring from her post to spend more time with her mother, who had recently broken her hip.

The elder Watson was born Jan. 4, 1910, in Chicago, the third of eight children born to Belle and James Lyle O’Neal.

Besides the congresswoman, Watson is survived by two other children, William "Billy Boy" Watson Jr. and Patricia "Patsy" Bradfield, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.